The full review for both the lounge and the flight can be found :
http://www.youtripreport.com/Report/...-qatar-airways
Flight # QR4
Seat : 2A My all times favorite
Duration : 6h25
Aircraft : Airbus A380
Date : 06/09/2017
Departed: 2/8 in First. 95% in Business.
Before I start the report, I have to admit, I’m a big fan of Qatar Airways despite its flaws. Back in 2006 I was still in college and yet I had to fly to meet my girlfriend in NY (why love must be so complicated?) and I needed to work (grocery store) at night and in the week-end to pay my flights. I was 20 and as I French, my first choice was AF. I quickly moved up between the tiers to end up being Platinum at 20 years old booking only coach. It was once possible to have a status as a coach flyer. I was emotionally in “love” with AF even if I was the first to criticize the airline. I was literally blinded by AF and I had no desire to sample new airlines. As I grew up, I met another girlfriend who happened to be a Flight Attendant in the Middle East. While it was easier to meet since she asked to have the CDG rotation every week, we flew a lot together in different places where I had to experience new airlines.. My First QR Flight (in 2009) even in coach was memorable. I was blown away by the experience with no idea that I could become QR addict nearly a decade after my first flight.
Back on the topic: QR4 bound to DOHA.
I went to collect my boarding pass, I like QR BP. I then headed to the lounge and cleared security with the fast track.
The lounge is almost identical to the new one in Paris. It’s bright and sleek. I let the pictures do the talking.
Wanna drink ?
I quickly made my way to the restaurant to try the menu.
The menu:
Salmon to start and lamb as main. Both were just beautifully presented and tasted great.
I requested my lamb to be medium rare and it was just pink. Yummy.
A quick shower to freshen up and it was time to leave the lounge. Too bad I did not spend more time there. It would be for next time.
The service was top notch. I left the lounge 5 minutes before boarding.
My bird for the next 6h20:
How not to love flying with such a gorgeous plane?
Upon boarding I was escorted to my seat by Amina, the flight attendant in first Class, who happened to be outstanding. She is from Morocco and has been working with QR for 3 years. I sent a tweet and a mail to QR to congratulate her.
The seat: I won’t go into full review since I have reviewed it countless times. One thing I can say is, I feel “home” whenever I come back to the First Class cabin. Yes, Qatar is not the leader in First, the menu can and should be improved to be more First, aside from the Caviar, I haven’t been Impressed by the catering, some meals stood out over the time, but nothing memorable. Will this change?
Welcome home Thomas:
Welcome drink with cheese and parmesan + Cold towel:
The menu for today’s flight, the other pax seated in 1A did not eat at all and told the crew not to be bothered… Man, take a deep breath and live a little !!!
Not too shabby…
EY bound to AUH:
Right after take off:
Before the service, warm nuts and sparkling water. I have 2 laptops, the one I use the most is my Dell XPS 13 (very thin bezel) with my QWERTY keyboard. That one is a gift. Perfect timing since I had to put the laptop in the cargo ex Cairo.
Such a massive IFE, my only complaint would be the remote. Too slow. QR recently changed the system and it’s much more pleasant. Good job QR:
While you don’t have an onboard shower, the toilet is large enough and greatly appointed.
Before the service, I made my way to the lounge, as you can see, no alcohols are offered given the Ramadan.
In my previous trip report “My quest for Balik Salmon” I have another sin: Caviar. May I even consider it as a sin?
I table is now set up. 3 choices for Olive Oil. One thing is weird here. The butter should be removed from its container. Quick appetizer. Good. One thing you should order while you fly with QR n their signature drink: Mint/lime drink and ask lot of ices. Simply stunning.
My first meal arrived shortly after, scallops with pea. Very tasty.
So far so good.. Now the main is the biggest default with QR catering. Unfortunately, my fish was not up to my taste. The fish was wreathed with spices. As a result, I had to remove all to eat it. Too bad:
Enjoying the view:
Next part the desserts:
Fondant au Chocolat with vanilla Ice cream. Fruit.
It was time for me to take a well-deserved nap, Amina made my bed :
I woke up 45 minutes away from DOH.
Bottom line of my first leg with QR:
I had the chance to have Amina, she was truly brilliant. Her job is a calling. That’s the kind of crew you wish to have, always.
Again I was disappointed by the main, even if I ate the meal.
The lounge is great, I need to go back to have more time to build an extensive review.
Thanks for reading.
Next part: Al Safwa Lounge in Doha + QR833 to Bangkok